Stablecoins Go Mainstream? These Retail Giants Are Making Bold Moves Toward Crypto Payments

Key Insights

• Amazon and Walmart are planning to launch their own dollar-backed stablecoins according to the Wall Street Journal.
• Stablecoins are perfect for retailers like Amazon and Walmart as way to save costs that payment processors charge.
• The US' GENIUS Act is on its way to creating a more stable framework for stablecoins.
• More than retailers, other firms and travel companies are looking into these digital assets for other applications.
• The adoption of stablecoins by these companies could improve consumer-to-business interactions.

Two of the world’s largest retailers, Walmart and Amazon are reportedly planning to launch their own U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins.

This move could massively affect the future of digital payments, e-commerce and cross-border transactions.

It also shows that institutional interest in crypto-backed infrastructure is growing, especially with how quickly regulatory frameworks in the US are taking shape.

Why Stablecoins Though?

Stablecoins are a form of digital currency pegged to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar.

This means that unlike volatile cryptos such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, stablecoins maintain a steady value at all times.

This is why they are especially attractive for massive retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

They offer users an opportunity to reduce transaction costs, improve payment systems and gain more control over cash flows.

Currently, both of these companies rely heavily on payment networks like Visa and Mastercard.

This means that every time a customer checks out using a credit card, these companies pay an interchange fee, which means that the payment processors get a cut of each sale.

For Amazon (which reported over $638 billion in revenue in 2024) and Walmart (whose e-commerce arm alone generated more than $100 billion in 2023), payment processors earn billions of dollars every year.

These two companies, by issuing their own stablecoins or accepting existing ones are likely planning to bypass having to pay billions to Venmo or PayPal.

They are also likely aiming to speed up transaction times and reduce friction for customers all around the world.

The GENIUS Act and Regulatory Clarity

However, launching a private stablecoin isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.

Any stablecoin issued by a corporate entity would need to comply with U.S. financial laws, especially when it comes to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and collateralization requirements.

This is where the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins) comes into play.

This bipartisan bill is geared towards creating a legal framework for private companies to issue stablecoins responsibly.

It is a a measure that dictates how these coins must be backed, who can issue them, and the compliance checks required to prevent illegal use.

The U.S. Senate recently advanced the GENIUS Act with a 68–30 vote, which shows that there is strong political backing behind stablecoin regulation.

If passed, the GENIUS Act could remove some of the biggest legal uncertainties and make the rollout of stablecoins by companies like Walmart and Amazon much easier.

Not Just Retailers

Walmart and Amazon aren’t the only companies showing interest in stablecoins. Other firms like Expedia and major airlines have are reportedly looking into the idea as well.

Meanwhile, financial heavyweights including JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America and Wells Fargo are at the discussion table over a joint stablecoin for the same reason as Amazon and Walmart.

DTCC Digital Assets, a securities settlement giant has even referred to stablecoins as an ideal instrument for real-time collateral management.

In addition to this, Shopify has already committed to supporting USDC stablecoin payments before the end of 2025.

Overall if companies like Amazon and Walmart adopt stablecoins at scale, it could become a major change in how consumers and businesses interact with money.

Such a move could pressure major financial institutions like banks to innovate or risk losing ground to defi competitors.

At this stage, Amazon and Walmart haven’t officially confirmed plans to launch their own stablecoins.

However, reports from The Wall Street Journal, show that both companies are actively looking into the idea.

Disclaimer: Voice of Crypto aims to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, but it will not be responsible for any missing facts or inaccurate information. Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile financial assets, so research and make your own financial decisions.